"Democracy is not a joke": harsh criticism of Cape Verde's transport system
António Varela, a Cape Verdean (Brava Island) citizen living in the USA, this week launched a blistering critique of the current state of the country's transportation system, accusing the authorities of trying to make up for reality with speeches that don't correspond to the day-to-day lives of the population.
In statements shared on social media, Varela was direct: "This is where democracy and clowning intersect. How is it possible that these individuals, with their clean-shaven faces, try to deceive a people who are educated, informed and who closely follow the calamity that is Cape Verde's so-called transport system?"
The outburst comes at a time when there are increasing complaints about delays, cancellations and difficulties connecting the islands, both by sea and by air. For many citizens, this is a structural problem that for decades has hampered the development of the archipelago and limited the mobility of Cape Verdeans.
Varela goes further and accuses politicians of trying to sugarcoat failure with headlines and speeches that don't convince. "Please stop. We are not stupid. The people of Cape Verde deserve honesty, not made-up words. They deserve solutions, not excuses."
According to him, democracy cannot be turned into a facade to justify incompetent government. "Democracy was not created to be a mask for incompetence - it was created to give the people a voice, hold leaders accountable and ensure that truth prevails over propaganda."
The tone of the criticism makes it clear that popular patience is wearing thin. "The time for playing with words is over. The people see. The people know. And the people will not forget."
The words of António Varela reflect a sentiment increasingly shared by many Cape Verdeans: the urgency of concrete and effective solutions for the transport sector, which is considered vital for territorial cohesion and for the future of the country.
